Many retirees are facing a bet-your-future decision fraught with significant risks as pension plans offer participants a one-time lump sum payout in exchange for giving up their monthly checks for life. Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. made headlines recently when they made that offer to their 130,000 nonunion retirees. With pension liabilities at record levels, and interest rates at record lows for the foreseeable future, other companies are expected to follow suit, turning lump-sum offers into a major trend. (“Lump-sum offers present risks and opportunities,” by Mary Beth Franklin, InvestmentNews).